Assessing the Effect of Universal Pulses on EDGE-MP2RAGE at 7T

Motivation: To optimize an EDGE-MP2RAGE acquisition at 7T for epilepsy studies. Goal(s): To determine if it is beneficial to use Universal Pules within EDGE-MP2RAGE at 7T and to find the optimum TI1 to produce the best visulation of the gray-white matter boundary. Approach: Collect EDGE-MP2RAGE data with conventional RF and Universal Pulses and analyze the gray and white matter signal across the brain. Results: Overall, it does seem to be beneficial to use Univeral Pulses within EDGE-MP2RAGE, although it does not produce more consistent gray and white matter signal in all brain regions. Impact: Utilizing Universal Pulses within EDGE-MP2RAGE with the determined optimum TI1=760ms at 7T can improve continuity of the gray-white matter boundary compared to conventional RF pulses, which may allow for detection of focal cortical dysplasia in epilepsy patients.